SkyhighRocks
New member
Hey guys...too tired to search right now. What's the consensus on preamp tubes to tighten up a little and add a little gain to a DSL?
Gainfreak
New member
Id say do what Jon Levin does from Dokken did when he used the DSL's and use a tube screamer 
SkyhighRocks
New member
I remember you telling me something about that...what was it again?
Devilinside
Active member
Koko boost, good shit!
SkyhighRocks
New member
Let me clarify...what I meant by adding gain, I meant with tubes...not a ton...just a little more bite. The past DSLs I've had all had more gain than the one I own now.
B
Buckeyedog
Active member
I had good luck with chinese tubes in mine. Haven't had it for years, but do remember they seemed to work best for gain/tone. Maybe you could get some high gain chinese from Dougs tubes.
PeteLaramee
Well-known member
I use chinese in mine too.
Gainfreak
New member
Yeah, The chinese tubes should do the trick. I think the DSl has plenty of gain on tap but I prefer using them with a tube screamer in front. I just like the feel and tone better but that's just me lol 
SkyhighRocks
New member
Gainfreak":1vfwxbwa said:Yeah, The chinese tubes should do the trick. I think the DSl has plenty of gain on tap but I prefer using them with a tube screamer in front. I just like the feel and tone better but that's just me lol
I'm using the green channel with an sd-1 for more gain. However, this amp has less gain than past dsls I've owned on the green channel. That's why I'm asking about tubes...I'm guessing there's stock tubes in there. I'm going to be biasing it this week too.
Gainfreak
New member
It's really strange how much they vary isn't it? The new studio that I use for rehearsing has 4 DSL's and there is one of them that screams and the other are so so LOL. I think a re-tube will do exactly what you want. The preamp tube change should add what you want.SkyhighRocks":1e05e6mh said:Gainfreak":1e05e6mh said:Yeah, The chinese tubes should do the trick. I think the DSl has plenty of gain on tap but I prefer using them with a tube screamer in front. I just like the feel and tone better but that's just me lol
I'm using the green channel with an sd-1 for more gain. However, this amp has less gain than past dsls I've owned on the green channel. That's why I'm asking about tubes...I'm guessing there's stock tubes in there. I'm going to be biasing it this week too.
racerevlon
Active member
Two ideas:
1. Use Ruby 12AX7AC5 HG+ pre tubes
2. Check the bias--I just re-tubed and re-biased my friend's EL34 100/100 and it seems EVERY Marshall I check is biased cold...
Cheers,
1. Use Ruby 12AX7AC5 HG+ pre tubes
2. Check the bias--I just re-tubed and re-biased my friend's EL34 100/100 and it seems EVERY Marshall I check is biased cold...
Cheers,
tweed
New member
racerevlon":13t30s8k said:
+1 for the Ruby pre, got one in the first pre slot in my DSL50 and it was a nice change. But I'm a maniac and I still seem to boost it with an sd1
I do find that with this pre change and a guitar that has quite a bit of oomph I don't need to boost the amp at all. Been playing a 1980 LP that originally came with p90's and has been routed for HB's, has a Distortion and a BB2pro, no weight relief and it absolutely KILLS thru the DSL without a boost on the green channel in crunch mode.
Ventura
Well-known member
+1 for the bias being cool... In addition to the tube swap, which may or may not assist in gaining this puppy up, make sure your power section is running a little warmer than not. Might be the answer right there before you start in with pre's.
Peace,
V.
Peace,
V.
napalmdeath
Well-known member
Stock, the DSL's are cold. I've owned 3, (and am looking for another). 2 I bought new, and both were way cold.
To sound their best, I'd suggest SED EL34's, a Tungsol, (graded for high gain), in V1, and a mix of JJ's, & Chinese V2-V4. Your milage may vary, but I certainly believe in that Tungsol in V1, for best tone.
To sound their best, I'd suggest SED EL34's, a Tungsol, (graded for high gain), in V1, and a mix of JJ's, & Chinese V2-V4. Your milage may vary, but I certainly believe in that Tungsol in V1, for best tone.
SkyhighRocks
New member
I checked the bias on the amp and it was actually higher than I thought it would be...it was around 93...which is pretty much what marshall suggests. I lowered it to around 83 per side. Cash flow is non existant right now so I couldn't grab any new tubes but I threw in a couple of JJ's and groove tubes that I had laying around. The preamps that were in the amp were stock marshall tubes. I haven't been able to really open it up volume wise yet...no gigs until mid-february.